Planning & Paying for College

The Missouri Department of Higher Education is dedicated to “Building Missouri’s Future…by degrees." Carrying out this mission includes providing services and resources for students and their families, Missouri’s financial aid community, high school counselors, personal finance teachers, and other professionals interested in furthering access to and success in postsecondary education.

Additionally, services provided by the MDHE seek to raise awareness about financial aid programs, scholarships, career paths, and financial literacy. Equipped with tools and resources provided by the MDHE, students looking to succeed in college and beyond are prepared to make informed decisions regarding educational opportunities as early as their freshman year of high school. Interested in learning more? Use the links below to gain an inside look into Planning & Paying for College.

Planning for College

Not sure where to begin when planning for college? The MDHE can help. Furthering your education is a decision you make to develop your potential and pursue future career goals. It is also a major investment of your time, effort, and money. With so many important factors at stake, use the state’s premier go-to source to help identify the best tactics in planning and paying for college.

High school counselors and teachers play an important role in helping students plan and prepare for college, and the MDHE has the resources to help you do just that. Looking to reach your students with fun, interactive tools, personal finance materials, or guest speakers? The MDHE is ready to assist.

Are you new to financial aid? Is your office facing travel limitations or tight budgets in this time of economic uncertainty? The MDHE offers free resources each year to meet the various needs of Missouri's financial aid officers.

Paying for College

Interested in obtaining financial aid that does not have to be repaid after you graduate from college? The MDHE administers several grant and scholarship programs designed to assist Missouri residents who are interested in completing undergraduate studies at one of Missouri’s reputable postsecondary institutions.

Make informed decisions about student loans with help from the MDHE. Information regarding debt minimization strategies, your rights and responsibilities, interest, avoiding default, and repayment options are just a sprinkling of topics the MDHE addresses to ensure you understand the "ins" and "outs" of student loans.